Paragraph 2 (Page 1) Summary

The narrator recalls the curious history of Jonathan's bicycle. Around 1968 or 1969 a man purporting to be a military officer on an anxious military errand attempts to commandeer Jonathan's bicycle. Jonathan quickly appraises the man, noting his shabby clothing and inked-in military insignia of rank—surprisingly, these details all appear to pass muster. But Jonathan also notes the man's lack of grip and uncertainty of manner, and concludes that he is no valid military officer. Jonathan therefore takes a risk and bribes the man, giving him two Biafran pounds; Jonathan thus retains his bicycle. Realizing that the local situation is rapidly deteriorating, that night Jonathan buries the bicycle in the camp's cemetery, next to the grave of his youngest son. After the inevitable surrender and cessation of military hostilities Jonathan digs the bike up and finds it to be in excellent condition; he then admits...